Female Genital Mutilation

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Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), is sometimes referred to as 'female genital cutting.' FGM is defined as the range of procedures which involve 'the partial or complete removal' of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs whether for cultural or any other non-therapeutic reason. There are four types.

FGM is Illegal - FGM is prohibited by law in the UK. It is also against the law to take girls abroad to have the procedure. However more than 20 000 girls under the age of 15 are at risk of FGM. Girls may be at particular risk of FGM during school summer holidays as families may take their children abroad for the procedure.

Physical Impact - The severity of the physical problem may vary depending on the type of FGM undergone and can include severe bleeding and death. Other long term problems include; severe pain, difficulty passing urine, urinary infections, problems menstruating, vaginal infections, pain during sex and complications during child birth.

Mental Health Problems - As FGM is generally performed on pre-pubescent and adolescent girls, usually without anaesthetics and with instruments such as razor blades, the emotional and psychological shock is huge.

If you or someone you know is at risk of FGM - talk to someone you trust, maybe a teacher or a school nurse. You could also contact the police. They will all be able to help protect you. If you are concerned that a citizen in Britain may be taken overseas for the purpose of FGM, call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 0207 008 1500 or email fgm@fco.gov.uk

If you have had FGM - You can seek medical advice and help from specialist health services. There are 15 specialist clinics around the UK and in some of these you can have a reversal procedure. Contact details of hospitals and clinics in the UK offering Specialist FGM health services can be found at: http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/resources/support/well-woman-clinics

Contact an organisation about this issue

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ACCM UK

Phone:

01234 356 910

Looks at the wider issues that affect minority and other vulnerable communities including tackling health, social and economic inequalities at a local level in Bedford and surrounding areas. Is committed to eliminating of all harmful traditional and discriminatory practices such as female genital mutilation forced marriage.

Africans Unite against Child Abuse (AFRUCA) was established in May 2001 as a platform for advocating for the rights and welfare of African children in the UK. Has a presence in two UK cities (London and Manchester) and projects working with children, young people and families across London and in Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford.

Africans Unite against Child Abuse (AFRUCA) was established in May 2001 as a platform for advocating for the rights and welfare of African children in the UK. Has a presence in two UK cities (London and Manchester) and projects working with children, young people and families across London and in Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford.

Provide generic and specialist services including the provision of temporary accommodation in Wales for those suffering from domestic abuse and all forms of violence; including Female Genital Mutilation, Forced Marriage, Honor Based Violence and Human Trafficking.

Charity based in Tower Hamlets working with Somali and other African women on a range of issues including FGM.

Email:

Website:

Address:

1st Floor, 82 Russia Lane, London, E2 9LU.

Bolton Solidarity Community Association

Phone:

Self-help voluntary organisation that has been set up to tackle and reduce the problems facing the Sudanese, Somali, Oromo and Eritrean communities (amongst others) and with new and emerging communities in Bolton.

A woman led Refugee Community Organisation set up by and for members of the Somali Community in Camden, some of the poorest and most disadvantaged residents of the borough. It seeks to make a significant improvement in their lives by addressing the educational and recreational needs of Somali children and young people and the health and training needs Somali women and the Somali elderly.

Exist to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights as central to the wellbeing of African women and girls. We work with individuals, communities and organisations to transform harmful practices and improve the quality of life of vulnerable girls and women.

Working on a number of activities and services for Somali women and children including a project to reduce the risk to girls and young women in the UK of undergoing genital mutilation in all its form. The project targets young women, families, parents, professionals, local schools, religious leaders, and community leaders, in order to change and challenge notions of FGM.

Special health service providing medical advice and help and may be able to provide a reversal procedure. Opening Times: 9am to 5pm

Email:

foong.han@imperial.nhs.uk

Website:

Address:

St. Mary's Hospital,
Praed Street,
London, W1 1NY.

Integrate Bristol

Phone:

0800 028 3550

A charity formed to help with the integration of young people and children who have arrived from other countries and cultures. Much of the work involves supporting those in the community who are bravely trying to eradicate the harmful practice of FGM through various educational and creative projects.

Specialist FGM health service providing medical advice and help and may be able to provide a reversal procedure.

Email:

Website:

Address:

Link Clinic,
Crown Street,
Liverpool
L8 7SS

Manor Gardens Centre

Phone:

020 7561 5263

Run a number of project including a health advocacy services that cover FGM to reduce the risk of girls undergoing FGM through community workshops and safeguarding training (part of the FGM Special Initiative) and helping FGM survivors to talk freely about and come to terms with what has happened to them through group and individual therapy (part of the The Dahlia Project pilot).

Provides long term counselling and psychological support to some of the most vulnerable women in our community. Also run the Dahlia Project, which is is a support grocp for women who have undergone female genital mutilation/ female Circumcision (FGM). The project aims to provide a safe space for women to unpack the effects of FGM.

Umbrella organisation in London Borough of Ealing, with over 120 affiliated groups including. Work with Indian, Somali, Iranian, Afghan and Russian communities. They work to meet local needs which includes tackling FGM.

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